Desires of the Dead (The Body Finder #2)

Desires of the Dead by Kimberly Derting

The missing dead call to Violet. They want to be found.

Violet can sense the echoes of those who’ve been murdered—and the matching imprint that clings to their killers. Only those closest to her know what she is capable of, but when she discovers the body of a young boy she also draws the attention of the FBI, threatening her entire way of life.

As Violet works to keep her morbid ability a secret, she unwittingly becomes the object of a dangerous obsession. Normally she’d turn to her best friend, Jay, except now that they are officially a couple, the rules of their relationship seem to have changed. And with Jay spending more and more time with his new friend Mike, Violet is left with too much time on her hands as she wonders where things went wrong. But when she fills the void by digging into Mike’s tragic family history, she stumbles upon a dark truth that could put everyone in danger. (Goodreads)

The Story:

If you haven’t read The Body Finder, take heed ( I’ve always wanted to say that). This is going to get spoilery. And seriously, you should read it, if for no other reason than to meet the awesome that is Jay Heaton (but really, the whole book is good).

In Desires of the Dead, Violet is still trying to keep secret her morbid ability to hear the mysterious call of dead bodies.  Only her family and her crazy hot BFF turned boyfriend, Jay (I told you, see above), know about her ability.  When she makes a major discovery related to a recent kidnapping, Violet is unwillingly brought to the attention of the FBI.

To makes matters all the more complicated, she’s being harassed by someone who leaves odd notes and creepy packages (you know, of the dead cat variety)for her.  Violet thinks she knows who it is, but she isn’t entirely sure. And ever since she and Jay have entered into sweet, smoochy coupledom, he is even more fiercely protective of her (and yes ladies, it’s quite becoming), which is why she shies away from telling him about the FBI and her new creepy stalker.  She doesn’t want him to go all Edward Cullen on her or to blow the whistle to her family.

Jay is totally aware that something is going on, but he seems pretty wrapped up in his new friend Mike.  Mike is nice and while Violet’s pal Chelsea is busy falling all over him, Violet learns that he has a dark, sad past and that somehow he may be linked to some of her current troubles.

My Take:

I really love this series.  It’s so well done and unique without being too “paranormal” (not my favorite genre). The descriptions of how Violet finds the bodies and of how she sees and hears imprints of them echoed on their killers is totally haunting.  She does so many absolutely impulsive, crazy things because her drive to answer the call of these lost souls is so strong that it overrides her fears.

And yet, this series is not about ghosts. These books are about finding and hopefully bringing to justice those who have taken another life—it’s just that the gift Violet uses is extraordinary.  There’s a good balance of the creepy right along with humor and a very sweet, believable romance.  Violet is a great heroine, realistic and flawed without falling into that common trend of being The Girl With No Self Esteem.  She’s likeable and she’s bright and she knows what she must do.

And Jay. I have to talk about him because man, do I love that guy. Seriously, I may have to rearrange my list because I find myself looking forward to every page with his name.

Crush Intensity: 4.75/5 Read this series.  The next book, The Last Echo, will be out on April 17.